Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:46:04 -0800 (PST)
From: J J
Subject: Leo and James - Part 9
Leo and James - Part 9
Chapter 9 – Trouble in Paradise
As time went on Leo slowly moved his belongings into my apartment, clothes,
toiletries, food, porn, pretty much everything but the furniture. Since we
worked opposite hours our time spent together was mostly in the bedroom as
Leo and I strengthened our bond physically, mentally, and socially. At gay
bars I was comfortable being held in his arms and wickedly took pleasure in
watching his ex pieces glare at us but not speak. "Fuck em" Leo would say,
when I would mention how catty some of the guys were.
One night while we were talking with a few friends I saw John walk in. I
had not discussed John since Leo moved in; I assumed he was out of his life
and on his own. When he saw us, he headed straight to us, obviously happy
to see us.
"Hey guys" John said as he approached us.
"Hey baby" said Leo to John as leaned over to kiss him. Strange, I thought,
but was accepting of the relationship they once had.
"Been awhile James. How's everything with you?"
"No complaints here. Just enjoying life." I was afraid I may have sounded a
bit cold.
"Well that's good" said John, standing behind the two of us as he ordered a
drink.
"Oh, there was a delivery attempt for you yesterday from Fed Ex. They left
this note on the door." John handed Leo a piece of paper and walked away. I
was confused. Leo and I had been living together for several months now and
he made no mention of still having his apartment with John. I looked at Leo
to try and read his expression, but he just read the note.
"Leo, I did not know you still had your apartment with John."
"I never got rid of it, the lease expires in 3 months."
I was suspicious but pressed for more information before I drew
conclusions. "I think that's something I should know about Leo. You go
there often?" I knew he did not sleep there because he was with me every
night after he got off work.
"Yeh, check on my mail and to make sure John is keeping the place up. Why
would you have to know that?"
Uh-oh, I thought to myself. I felt our first disagreement coming on.
"You never really told me that you and John had been completely
separated. If you guys are still getting together I should know about it."
"James, we can't help but see each other. He still lives there."
Here was the big moment. Did I ask him if he's still having sex with John
and risk eroding the trust we had we each other, or did I ignore it,
assuming if he were still having sex with John that he would have told me
by now? My emotions got the better of me.
"Are you still fucking him?"
"Now, THAT, I would have told you." Leo's look said it all, disappointment,
hurt, and anger.
"Sorry Leo, I'm being insecure. I just had to ask. Sorry."
"You're a damn lucky white boy. If it were anywhere else you'd be chasing
drama."
"Look James, if I'm going to fuck around I'm going to tell you about
it. There's nothing to tell."
"Well I'm glad you and John are on good terms. You never really told me you
had completely cut things off from him. I've been wondering lately."
Leo shook his head. "So you've been thinking about this for awhile. You
need to be upfront with me when things are bothering you."
"I didn't want to make you mad Leo."
"Well now I am mad. You didn't trust me."
"I never said that..." Leo placed his hand over my mouth before I could
finish.
"Best to drop it" said, Leo, looking at me sternly.
The more I thought about it the more I convinced myself that my concerns
were legitimate and that Leo was being unfairly harsh. Then, as it usually
does, anger took over and I made a bad decision. I swiped Leo's hand off of
me. He saw, for the first time, my stubborn streak.
"I don't like to be handled like that." I said angrily.
"Since when?" said Leo, reminding me of how our relationship got
started. That really pissed me off and I left. On my way out I heard
someone say "Trouble in paradise?" It was John.
"Fuck you bitch." I went over to him and got in his face.
"Your man's doing a good job at that." John said flippantly.
At that point it took all my self control to not jack him up. I wasn't
convinced that he was being truthful about he and Leo but thought it best
to leave without any further problems. I felt totally out of control –
something I was not accustomed to. But I did have my doubts about John and
Leo. I was too upset to go home and wanted to be with someone who would
listen. After walking around for a few I ducked into another gay bar that
was know as the "Last Chance Saloon", seedy, dark, and full of desperate
men. I sat at the bar and ordered a drink, pondering the events of the last
hour. After an hour of drinking and no one to talk to I was ready to go
when I saw the familiar face of Anthony, who was at Leo and John's Super
Bowl party. I always liked Anthony's friendliness and besides, he was sexy
as hell.
I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Hey buddy – long time no see."
He turned around to look at me but at first didn't recognize me. Then it
hit him.
"Oh, yes, James, Leo's man at the party. The finest white booty I've ever
seen on a white man. How you doing man?" He got up and hugged me and gave
me a peck on the cheek.
"Doing ok, could be better." I was drunk and pitiful, bad combination.
"Uh-oh. Well what can I do to help? Let's go to a quieter place and talk."
Anthony led us to a table for two and we sat and talked small talk for a
few before the waiter brought us more drink. "Great" I thought, "Just what
I need."
"This is from the gorgeous man at standing at the end of the bar." I looked
and saw a middle aged very dark skinned Black man, neatly dressed, looking
at us. He tipped his glass in our direction.
"Who is this for?" I asked Anthony.
"That's yours baby. That is a fine man who likes his white meat – and
you're fresh so double the pleasure for him. I tried getting that bitch
home with me a couple times but just gave up."
Anthony shouted out to him to come join us. "Lawrence, come over her baby,
got someone I want you to meet."
Lawrence came over and was introduced to me. We shook hands before he sat
and asked why he had not seen me in there before. He had a strong accent of
African descent. It was very sexy.
"Never had the occasion." I responded.
"And what is the occasion this time?"
Hell I didn't know these people very well so I figured I'd say it. "Fight
with my boyfriend."
"Does Leo know you're in here?" Anthony quickly interjected.
"No he does not."
"Is this a bad time?" asked Lawrence. "It appears as f I may have walked in
on an unfortunate situation."
Anthony whispered something to him.
"I can leave if you wish me to." said Lawrence with his distinct use of the
English language.
"No – stay. The least I can do is enjoy the drink that you got me. I
appreciate it." At this point Lawrence was definitely eye candy. This man
was fine. He stood slightly over 6 feet and had a stocky but solid
frame. His smile was beautiful with perfectly straight white teeth.
"It would be my pleasure James. But please excuse me while I use the men's
room.
"So what's up with you and Leo." asked Anthony.
I told him the whole scene in the few minutes I had before Lawrence
returned, hoping I would get some judgment from Anthony. He assured me that
it was just a lover's spat. I did ask him if he knew anything about his
situation with John just as Lawrence returned.
"That man is crazy about you. John was a fuck bud."
"But is he still?"
"I don't know baby and that's not my business. I'm just here as a friend."
Anthony's friend returned and sat down. "How long are you staying Anthony?"
"Going in a few man, been a long day, but not so sure I want to leve my
buddy with a whore like you."
"I'm sure James is a grown man capable of making the right decision." said
Lawrence.
"Don't even go there. You leave this man alone."
"That will be very difficult" said Lawrence, looking at me with his
beautiful almond shaped eyes.
"You're a mess Lawrence." said Anthony as he hugged me before he left.
"So you being a bad boy?" asked Lawrence, as he completely turned towards
me after Anthony exited the bar.
"Just needed to talk. Been a bad night."
"Is that so? So sorry to hear that."
"I probably should be going"
"Hmmmmmm. `Probably' and `should' all in one sentence. Two words in the
English language that create uncertainty."
He was right. I really like this man and wanted to stay and get to know
this man better.
"So where are you from Lawrence?"
"A place called Abuja, Nigeria." He went on to explain, in detail, the
history of the city and how it had become the new capitol. I just loved
hearing this man's deep voice and enthusiasm about life in general.
The lights for closing began to flash. It was 3 am.
"Damn that time went by fast" I said.
"It most certainly did. Too fast, I would have liked to get to know you
better but I realize you have a man to go home to."
I really did not want to leave this man. He was making me feel much better
but I knew the situation demanded more self control from me.
"You're right, I need to go." I stood up and stumbled. The 3 double
bourbons I had while talking to Lawrence crept up on me.
"Not in that condition" said Lawrence as he helped me stand.
"Wow, I am drunk." I barely managed to get out the words.
"I will call you a cab. Where do you live?"
I told him address and I remembered him saying that it was on his way home
so we would catch a cab together. When we got to my apartment the cab
stopped. I paid the driver and as I started to get out Lawrence reached
over and stopped me.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so."
"There you Americans go again with your uncertain language. Come back to my
place. I will make you feel much better."
"You already have. Thank you."
"No, not the way I have in mind. But the offer is there, I will let you
make that decision."
I closed the cab door. I would later regret this moment.